Kevin Nolan anyone?

[third policeman]

So now we know he is eligible and playing well should Trap and Brady be making an approach? Centre midfield is still the wekest area of our squad. With the exception of the injury prone Steven Reid we are dependent on journeymen (Andrews, Whelan, Miller) or unproven prospects (Gibson). Nolan is an experienced player of international quality who could be a formidable partner for Reid.

[as_i_say]

Hmm. I thought that after 9000 posts or whatever it was on him before it was yet to be proved whether he was eligible for us or not. Needless to say, can opened, worms everywhere.

[seanfhear]

To Music

"Its too late baby its too late"

To bring this guy in now would be just a step too far.
He had enough chances to choose to play for Ireland and he choose not to.
That should be the end of it.

[Mad Moose]

Hmm. I thought that after 9000 posts or whatever it was on him before it was yet to be proved whether he was eligible for us or not. Needless to say, can opened, worms everywhere.

Thats a cracking wee reply. It made me laugh. I jumped to this thread as the possible responses were always gong to be entertaining. Foot.ie needs a front page flashing warning. 'Public Health Warning: Do not mention Kevin Nolan with regard appearing for the Republic of Ireland'.: D

[lionelhutz]

Kevin Nolan no one

[neutrino]

he doesnt want to play for Ireland, a fact well established during the time staunton tried to get him in the set-up.

[youngirish]

I'd prefer coleen nolan meself.

[ifk101]

You have to question the intelligence of a certain poster when he/she comes along, ignores the previous countless upon countless posts on Kevin Nolan and starts a new thread thinking he/she has something interesting to contribute with.

[third policeman]

. Foot.ie needs a front page flashing warning. 'Public Health Warning: Do not mention Kevin Nolan with regard appearing for the Republic of Ireland'.: D


I know, I know... it was just a misguided attempt to deflect a bit of vemom away from Stephen Ireland. But I wouldn't be totally surprised if it came to pass. He is covered by the amnesty and I was under the impression that it was eligibility rather than desire that was the sticking point during the Staunton era.

[Diarmo]

As far as I can remember, it was the eligibility issue that prevented any development when Staunton approached him. Then again, I have a vague memory of Staunton wanting to approach Zat Knight, even though he had full England caps at that stage.

At the same time, I'd take Nolan in the squad if he proved his desire to play for Ireland. However, I don't think he considers himself Irish in any way.

[youngirish]

I know, I know... it was just a misguided attempt to deflect a bit of vemom away from Stephen Ireland.
Why would any sane person want to deflect venom away from Stephen Ireland? More lashings of venom for Superman is surely the only way to go.

[Wolfie]

So now we know he is eligible and playing well should Trap and Brady be making an approach? Centre midfield is still the wekest area of our squad. With the exception of the injury prone Steven Reid we are dependent on journeymen (Andrews, Whelan, Miller) or unproven prospects (Gibson). Nolan is an experienced player of international quality who could be a formidable partner for Reid.

I don't think you're going to make Detective, Third Policeman.............

[DeLorean]

Plus is he really the player he was in Boltons earlier PL days, despite a good start to the season at a lower level than our current midfielders, allbeit I'm not their biggest fan. I personally think that ship has sailed.

Edit: Just checked his age in Wikipedia and he is considerably younger than I thought, changing things a little bit. Just turned 27 in June. Thought he was about 30/31 to be honest.

[gspain]

My understanding is as follows

Uner Kerr he was eligible but Kerr didn't want him. He didn't seem too keen either.

Under Staunton he wasn't eligible but was keen to play.

Under the change in the rules I believe he is now eligible again if we want him as is Jamie O'Hara and a few others.

He seemed to have lost form but maybe has regained it after saturday's display which I didn't see on tv.

If he is eligible and wants to play for us then he has to be worth a look. I think Jamie O'Hara might be a better bet though.

[tetsujin1979]

My understanding is as follows

Uner Kerr he was eligible but Kerr didn't want him. He didn't seem too keen either.

Under Staunton he wasn't eligible but was keen to play.

Under the change in the rules I believe he is now eligible again if we want him as is Jamie O'Hara and a few others.

He seemed to have lost form but maybe has regained it after saturday's display which I didn't see on tv.

If he is eligible and wants to play for us then he has to be worth a look. I think Jamie O'Hara might be a better bet though.
IIRC Kerr approached him when he was in charge of the underage sides, but Nolan wasn't interested then. Probably coloured Kerr's opinion of him.

[Wolfie]

Wasn't it reported last week that some players within the squad were happy that the Stephen Ireland issue was now closed and that Ireland would not be "parachuted into the squad".

What the hell would thay make of Nolan strolling onto the scene because it might now suit him?

[ifk101]

I would not be so quick to throw out caps. I get the impression that many so called "dual nationality" players are capped because of their dual nationality and a "fear" that somebody else will cap them first. I'd question if Nolan offers more than the midfield options we currently have both in and outside the squad and players we know want to play for us.

[KK77]

To Music

"Its too late baby its too late"

To bring this guy in now would be just a step too far.
He had enough chances to choose to play for Ireland and he choose not to.
That should be the end of it.

Well said.

[Scooby Doo]

You have to question the intelligence of a certain poster when he/she comes along, ignores the previous countless upon countless posts on Kevin Nolan and starts a new thread thinking he/she has something interesting to contribute with.
Thats a bit much. The post was started to regenerate discussion on a player that is eligable for us and seems to be playing well. No harm in that. He seems like a decent enough midfielder that could significantly improve our centre - as well as grab the odd goal. Our midfield is frighteningly weak when S Reid is taken out and I'd personally prefer to have the added option of a relatively strong midfielder in Nolan if we get to the WC. Third Policemans post was as valid as any. No need for the bitchiness.

[ifk101]

Thats a bit much. The post was started to regenerate discussion on a player that is eligable for us and seems to be playing well. No harm in that. He seems like a decent enough midfielder that could significantly improve our centre - as well as grab the odd goal. Our midfield is frighteningly weak when S Reid is taken out and I'd personally prefer to have the added option of a relatively strong midfielder in Nolan if we get to the WC. Third Policemans post was as valid as any. No need for the bitchiness.

Third Policeman is probably on the OWC forum touting the merits of Nolan as we speak. But do really think Nolan is better than our current crop of midfielders and Premiership players such as Fahey, A. Reid and McCann who are currently outside the squad?

[third policeman]

Third Policeman is probably on the OWC forum touting the merits of Nolan as we speak. But do really think Nolan is better than our current crop of midfielders and Premiership players such as Fahey, A. Reid and McCann who are currently outside the squad?


Suggest you check out OWC before speculating in future. Is it the residual affection / interest in NI as my second international affiliation or a dislike of Nolan that gets you going? Either way if this was not a legitimate subject for a thread, it wouldn't be attracting this many comments. Agree that A. Reid, McCann and fahey should also be in contention, but as i said we have a lot of midfield dross in our squad at the minute and I would happily substitute Nolan and your suggested trio for Miller, Hunt, Whelan and Gibson.

[Scooby Doo]

Third Policeman is probably on the OWC forum touting the merits of Nolan as we speak. But do really think Nolan is better than our current crop of midfielders and Premiership players such as Fahey, A. Reid and McCann who are currently outside the squad?
I'm not familiar with TP's posting history. All i'm saying is that it was a valid thread started with the with the intention of generating further discussion on Nolan's eligability and possible (if not very likely) selection. I agree that yes Fahey should be given a chance and i'm disappointed that he hasn't already. I also agree that Reid should be included, even if it is to only bolster the squad. Similarly I think Nolan, a player with much Premiership experience could add to our squad. If he doesn't fancy it, fine, leave him be. No harm in Trap approaching him. Maybe he already has? We don't know. But yes, if Nolan was willing, I would like to see him as part of our 27-odd man squad.

[Closed Account 2]

To Music

"Its too late baby its too late"

To bring this guy in now would be just a step too far.
He had enough chances to choose to play for Ireland and he choose not to.
That should be the end of it.

But did he have major chances ? He first came up in the context of Brian Kerr, then Stan and then it was assumed that he was no longer a possible player.

The FAI was pretty inept during the Kerr-Stan era, who knows if he was contacted about playing and how serious the contact was. We've seen on this very forum the FAI has to be jolted in to action (I forget the name of the Dutch / Irish youth player who was discussed a year or so ago). Other players like Ronnie O'Brien have slipped under the FAI radar... I wouldn't underestimate the ability of the FAI to have stuffed this up all those years ago.

[Scooby Doo]

But did he have major chances ? He first came up in the context of Brian Kerr, then Stan and then it was assumed that he was no longer a possible player.

The FAI was pretty inept during the Kerr-Stan era, who knows if he was contacted about playing and how serious the contact was. We've seen on this very forum the FAI has to be jolted in to action (I forget the name of the Dutch / Irish youth player who was discussed a year or so ago). Other players like Ronnie O'Brien have slipped under the FAI radar... I wouldn't underestimate the ability of the FAI to have stuffed this up all those years ago.
Absolutely agree.

[ifk101]

On the contrary, I think the FAI has quite a strong understanding of who's eligible. That's one element somebody like Kerr would also have brought to the job with him.

As for our midfield options, the central midfielders are restricted in what they are asked to do by Trapattoni. Throwing an average player in there like Nolan is not going to improve things.

[Wolfie]

Nolan's commitment to the cause has got to be questioned.

Paraphrasing here, but didn't he say at one stage "I'm aware of the Irish Interest, but I also qualify to play for Holland".

This was also on foot of a concerted media plea by Nolan to Sven Goran Erikson to pick him for England.

[drummerboy]

Its been mentioned before that he was actually in Dalymount for a Youth international under Kerr and he opted out at the last minute. So he made his decision, let it go.

[Scooby Doo]

On the contrary, I think the FAI has quite a strong understanding of who's eligible. That's one element somebody like Kerr would also have brought to the job with him.

As for our midfield options, the central midfielders are restricted in what they are asked to do by Trapattoni. Throwing an average player in there like Nolan is not going to improve things.
Ok it sounds as if you know the workings of the FAI better than I do. I'm just reminded of the case of Barry Maguire (as mentioned above) where AFAIR the FAI were prompted by a FOOT.IE poster to call him up (a call up he declined, but thats beside the point) - not professional scouting at its best if you ask me.

[DeLorean]

Throwing an average player in there like Nolan is not going to improve things.

Stephen Reid looked a class above Whelan, Gibson or Andrews in that system, I'd imagine Nolan would also. I'm still a bit in shock that he's only 27 actually, it's pretty much changed my entire point of view. Still won't happen or anything.

[Closed Account 2]

And whatever they did (or didn't do) to Ronnie O'Brien he has pretty much vowed to never play for us again. And people can say what they want about him playing in the states, but he was commonly acknowleged as being the best MLS player for several seasons and he had a willingness and desire to play for us at underage level. Ignoring the question over Nolan's Irish eligability / desire to play for Ireland, O'Brien was a gifted player, a Bray lad, and not a loose cannon (for want of a better phrase) like Stephen Ireland, yet the FAI messed it up.

[ifk101]

Ok it sounds as if you know the workings of the FAI better than I do. I'm just reminded of the case of Barry Maguire (as mentioned above) where AFAIR the FAI were prompted by a FOOT.IE poster to call him up (a call up he declined, but thats beside the point) - not professional scouting at its best if you ask me.

Barry Maguire did have a trial in his early teens so those responsible in the FAI knew about his existence from a relatively early age - no doubt long before anyone here heard of him. Maybe those responsible within the FAI could have been a bit more active in following up on Maguire in recent years but Maguire needs to nail his colours to the mast (so to speak).

[geysir]

I'm happy enough with the policy as practiced by the FAI and management team re their attitude to the available options market, after FIFA changed their age 21 or younger rule.
There might be a few suitable candidates around who genuinely missed the boat through circumstances.
Kevin Nolan is not one of them.
As regards to the younger players, I think by now, both Maguire and Duffy know that all they have to do is write to FIFA and make their intentions known.

[bwagner]

Dream Irish midfield :O)
S Duffy ( holding mid)
Nolan Ireland Maguire

[twoenz]

You have to question the intelligence of a certain poster when he/she comes along, ignores the previous countless upon countless posts on Kevin Nolan and starts a new thread thinking he/she has something interesting to contribute with.

Surely Nolan himself knows his ship has sailed with regards to playing for England, so he's 27.

I've fancied Kelly Brook for years. Just because she turns me down am I going to become a monk?

[carloz]

I wouldnt touch Nolan with a stick. He was beyong brutal with Bolton in his last season there, and did nothing in Newcastles fight to stay up. Dont let one game blid you, he is a nothing player and i can name at least 7 irish midfielders i would have ahead of him

[rambler14]

Nolan won't play for Ireland and thats a well established fact as he still harbours ambitions of playing for England.

Now saying that i'd love to see him play for Ireland but.......he won't!

[third policeman]

I wouldnt touch Nolan with a stick. He was beyong brutal with Bolton in his last season there, and did nothing in Newcastles fight to stay up. Dont let one game blid you, he is a nothing player and i can name at least 7 irish midfielders i would have ahead of him

Actually my view of Nolan was determined initially by several outstanding performances at Anfleld against Liverpool and a couple of excellent goals. I have watched Whelan and Miller at close quarters and believe me they are genuine nothing players in comparison.

[Colbert Report]

I'm watching Nolan now, he's having a good game. Newcastle at Ipswich from Saturday.

[Junior]

Nolan won't play for Ireland and thats a well established fact as he still harbours ambitions of playing for England.

Now saying that i'd love to see him play for Ireland but.......he won't!

I simply dont understand that sentiment at all.

Why would you 'love' to see a player playing for your country who simplt wants to play for his own country not yours.

International football shouldnt be about wanting the best (I use the term loosely in this instance) players by hook or by crook.

[tetsujin1979]

And whatever they did (or didn't do) to Ronnie O'Brien he has pretty much vowed to never play for us again. And people can say what they want about him playing in the states, but he was commonly acknowleged as being the best MLS player for several seasons and he had a willingness and desire to play for us at underage level. Ignoring the question over Nolan's Irish eligability / desire to play for Ireland, O'Brien was a gifted player, a Bray lad, and not a loose cannon (for want of a better phrase) like Stephen Ireland, yet the FAI messed it up.

O'Brien was called into the squad the played in the States under Stan, and refused it. Played for his club two days later.

[third policeman]

I simply dont understand that sentiment at all.

Why would you 'love' to see a player playing for your country who simplt wants to play for his own country not yours.

International football shouldnt be about wanting the best (I use the term loosely in this instance) players by hook or by crook.

I think this point has been rehearsed by others, but identity and loyalty for 2nd G Irish is not always that straight forward. Nolan's preferred position was to play for England, from which some have deduced that he "doesn't want to play for us" or has "no affinity with Ireland." Actually niether of these propositions is necessarily true. He did clearly want to play for us when the matter was investigated under STan and it was established that he was not at that time eligible. I know (through work0 someone who grew up with Nolan and knows the family. According to him he is typical "Liverpool Irish." Irishness and Catholicism are very much part of the identity of some of the communities in North Liverpool / Bootle / Huyton. It does not mean that he is naturally drawn to represent us as his first choice (or that he wants to become Pope), but there is an affinity and I dont think that selecting Nolan would be a embracing a treacherous mercenary.

[ifk101]

I think this point has been rehearsed by others, but identity and loyalty for 2nd G Irish is not always that straight forward. Nolan's preferred position was to play for England, from which some have deduced that he "doesn't want to play for us" or has "no affinity with Ireland." Actually niether of these propositions is necessarily true. He did clearly want to play for us when the matter was investigated under STan and it was established that he was not at that time eligible. I know (through work0 someone who grew up with Nolan and knows the family. According to him he is typical "Liverpool Irish." Irishness and Catholicism are very much part of the identity of some of the communities in North Liverpool / Bootle / Huyton. It does not mean that he is naturally drawn to represent us as his first choice (or that he wants to become Pope), but there is an affinity and I dont think that selecting Nolan would be a embracing a treacherous mercenary.

He showed no interest when his eligibility was looked into back in McCarthy's days, he subsequently showed no interest again during Stan's reign, he's not Irish, being Catholic has nothing to do with being Irish, your friend from work obviously loves winding you up and once again he doesn't add anything extra to what we already have.

[Junior]

Fair enough response and I take on board your points on the Liverpool Irish factor - I dont know him or if he has any affinity with Ireland. Representing us in the Stan era was no doubt a fallback position though, no matter how you dress it up and that doesnt rest easy with me and that is coming from a 2g Irishman.

[tiktok]

If he were to declare, fair enough.
I'm opposed to chasing anyone who hasn't stated quite clearly that they're Irish and want to play for Ireland.

[DeLorean]

If he were to declare, fair enough.
I'm opposed to chasing anyone who hasn't stated quite clearly that they're Irish and want to play for Ireland.

You may be opposed to it and on principle you're probably right. However, if it wasn't for Jack Charlton hounding fellas like Houghton, etc. to play for their 2nd favourite country, we'd probably never have qualified for a major tournament, and I'm far more opposed to that.

[KK77]

You may be opposed to it and on principle you're probably right. However, if it wasn't for Jack Charlton hounding fellas like Houghton, etc. to play for their 2nd favourite country, we'd probably never have qualified for a major tournament, and I'm far more opposed to that.

From listening to interviews Aldo and Houghton did not have to be hounded to play for us. From what i can remember Nolan was hounded and had no desire to play for us.

[DeLorean]

From listening to interviews Aldo and Houghton did not have to be hounded to play for us. From what i can remember Nolan was hounded and had no desire to play for us.

Approached, hounded.....it's all in the wording really. Didn't Charlton go to watch Aldridge at Oxford and snapped up Houghton too while he was there? I'm not saying they weren't proud to play for Ireland or anything, just that a little bit of gentle persuasion didn't do us any harm.

[Leeside Swagger]

Approached, hounded.....it's all in the wording really. Didn't Charlton go to watch Aldridge at Oxford and snapped up Houghton too while he was there? I'm not saying they weren't proud to play for Ireland or anything, just that a little bit of gentle persuasion didn't do us any harm.

They played for Charlton because he was such a legend, they would have played for Jamacia if he had asked them. Re: Nolan I think he just doesnt want to play for us, there was a similar situation with Dave Kitson a few years back. I seem to remember that he was eligible but he stated that he wasnt Irish and he wouldnt feel right representing us, fair enough really.

[tiktok]

Approached, hounded.....it's all in the wording really. Didn't Charlton go to watch Aldridge at Oxford and snapped up Houghton too while he was there? I'm not saying they weren't proud to play for Ireland or anything, just that a little bit of gentle persuasion didn't do us any harm.

It did plenty of harm to our underage structure if you ask me.
I don't think it's too much to ask that the National Team is made up of players proud to be there rather than the best reject team we could cobble together.

Someone like Kitson mentioned above deserves more credit than Cascarino in my opinion.

[third policeman]

He showed no interest when his eligibility was looked into back in McCarthy's days, he subsequently showed no interest again during Stan's reign, he's not Irish, being Catholic has nothing to do with being Irish, your friend from work obviously loves winding you up and once again he doesn't add anything extra to what we already have.


Read carefully. The link is not between being Irish and being Catholic, its about the culture of certain communities in North Liverpool. If Nolan did not have Irish connections then he would not be eligible, but he does and he is! Not really sure why you are getting so wound up over this, but you are wrong on two counts. During the Stan episode it was down to eligibility, the FAI would not have explored this issue had Nolan been willing to consider playing for us. Secondly, I trust my colleague and on all the available evidence he knows a great deal more about Nolan than you do.